Episodes

Tune in to The Light Inside to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on mental health with Karen Stevens, co-founder of the AI chatbot app EarKick. Discover how EarKick is revolutionizing mental health support by offering compassionate guidance and wisdom in a user-friendly way. Join us as we delve into the future of well-being and the potential of technology to transform the way we approach mental health challenges. Timestamps: 00:00:02 - Introduction to Mental Health Stigma 00:01:06...

Explore the intriguing relationship between emotions, perceptions, and memories on The Light Inside. Our guest, Kim Korte, author of "Yucky, Yummy, Savory, Sweet: Understanding the Flavors of Emotions," joined us to discuss her innovative approach to emotional awareness through the lens of food and cooking. Kim shared insights on how we're not born with preset emotional responses, but rather have the ability to shape our emotions. She introduced the concept of emotional recipes, which allows us...

Unprocessed Trauma. In the aftermath of the unspeakable, our stories unfold—marked by the haunting echoes of anguish and distress. In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the profound impact of unprocessed trauma, specifically focusing on the pain and torment of sexual abuse. He speaks with author and inspirational speaker Cindy Benezra, who shares her journey of resilience and redemption in navigating the healing process. Through the lens of cognitive reappraisal ...

In this episode of The Light Inside, we explore the complex nature of color perception and what it teaches us about our understanding of the world. Joining us is Master Atelier Artist, Mandy Theis, as we discuss how our perceptual filters shape our understanding of the world around us, highlighting the role of selective attention, cognitive biases, cultural influences, and memory limitations. Mandy also introduces the Atelier art training techniques and cognitive perspectives as tools for gain...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Light Inside, we explore the complexities of neophobia—an unhealthy fear of the unknown—and how it can paralyze us from embracing new experiences and opportunities for growth. Change-leading catalyst Jamie Meyer joins the conversation to unravel the psychological mechanisms that underpin this irrational fear and how it can hinder our ability to form new routines and perspectives. Throughout our conversation, we examined the processes necessary to embrace...

In this enlightening episode of The Light Inside, we unravel the concept of emotional uncoupling and the importance of establishing a healthy psychological distance to better understand and process our emotions. Our guest, Veronica Rottman, founder of Waking Womb, shared her expertise on somatic-based healing and the role of the nervous system in emotional regulation. We began by discussing the challenges we face when our emotions become entangled with our experiences, leading to a web of compl...

In this podcast episode, host Jeffrey Besecker reflects on the year 2023 and the deep exploration of the human experience that has taken place. The episode acknowledges that while the holiday season can be joyful for many, it can also be a time of challenge and loneliness. The top downloaded episode of the year is revisited, delving into the topic of anhedonia, a condition that robs individuals of joy and leaves them feeling empty. The episode concludes with warm wishes for the holiday season a...

In the podcast episode titled "The Light Inside," host Jeffrey Besecker explores the concept of subconscious scripts and their profound impact on our perspectives and narratives. He invites guest Gareth Gwynne, who specializes in self-realization techniques and societal reconciliation, to delve into the intricacies of these scripts and how they shape our stories. Certain truths are not always self-evident, with our stories and narratives impacting us in profound ways beyond our common understan...

The podcast explores the concept of anxious insecurity and its various effects. The host, Jeffrey Besecker discusses how anxious insecurity leads to a constant battle between one's self-concept and true identity, resulting in a mask that hides one's true brilliance. The guest, J. Stamatelos provides insights into the search for love and belonging in the context of anxious insecurity. The conversation highlights the importance of becoming one's own best ally and offers strategies for developing a...

In this episode, the host Jeffrey Besecker delves into the topic of pain and suffering and how they contribute to personal growth. It challenges the belief that growth can only occur through pain and discomfort, suggesting that growth can also happen in states free of suffering. The guest, John Eli Garay, shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of the autonomic nervous system and achieve emotional self-regulation. John offers guidance on understanding and navigating the autonomic la...

In this episode, the podcast explores the role of subconscious scripts and self-sabotaging behaviors in intimate relationships. It discusses how deep-seated fears of vulnerability can influence our behavior and push us to protect ourselves from potential emotional pain. The episode features a conversation with psychotherapist Kent Weishaus, who provides valuable insights on navigating these dynamics in intimate relationships and throughout our social interactions. The podcast highlights the co...

In this podcast, host Jeffrey Besecker delves into the nature of subconscious scripts and how they shape our beliefs and behaviors. He explores the idea that our stories and experiences define us, often leading us to blindly follow their lead. He questions the existence of the self and examines the role of conscious and subconscious influences in our lives. The podcast discusses the impact of subconscious scripts on our decision-making and actions. It highlights how these scripts, formed during...

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the concept of moving on from narcissistic abuse. He discusses the tendency to obsessively ruminate on the experience and seek revenge, rather than focusing on letting go and finding healing. Joining Jeffrey is clinical therapist Shannon Petrovich, author of "Out of the Fog and Into the Clear," who shares insights on emotional surgency and its role in breaking free from toxic relationships. Tune in to discover how to transcend ...

In this episode, Jeffrey Besecker and Kathy Hadizadeh delve into the concept of action bias, heuristics, and their effect on decision-making. They discuss the importance of ego development, moving away from binary thinking, and the value of "pause to rise." They also explore the role of unitive ego development in personal growth, how values and psychological constructs influence decisions, and share personal experiences with bias. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of self-r...

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the complexities of circular thinking and rumination with Executive Coach Erin Mac. They discuss how these thought patterns can lead to heightened stress and anxiety levels, hinder decision-making, and disrupt mental and physical well-being. The episode highlights the limitations of the label "overthinking" and delves into the nuanced factors that contribute to circular thinking and rumination. Tune in for a fascinating discus...

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the power of humor. He discusses how humor can serve as a life raft in difficult times, lighten the load during troubled times, and even procrastinate from doing actual work. Jeffrey emphasizes that humor is like seasoning for the soul, adding that even a bad joke can make us smile. However, he also acknowledges that there is a darker shade to humor, one that creates derision and contempt. To further explore this topic, Jeffr...

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the importance of healthy connections in our lives. He delves into the spiritual journey of forming these connections and the mental obstacles that can hinder them. By examining the influence of early childhood associations and conditioning, Jeffrey and his guests shed light on how they shape our perceptions of love, trust, and emotional security. Additionally, he highlights the wisdom of a monk and a retired neurosurgeon in t...

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the concept of declinism and its impact on our ability to find solutions to the global crises we face.Author Jeff Hardy, joins us to discuss how the looming threat of the sixth human mass extinction and the decline of our planet, can create challenges when discerning the truth amidst doom and gloom. Hardy delves into the idea of declinism as a cognitive bias that hinders our ability to take thoughtful action and embrace change....

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the psychology behind body weight regulation. He delves into various factors such as energetic intake and expenditure, the role of hormones, and the influence of genetics on body weight. Dr. Cody Goldman, a quantum life and health coach, joins the discussion to explain how to effectively manage weight and maintain daily routines. By incorporating uplifting psychological principles and natural methods, listeners can discover saf...

On this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the labyrinthian experience of battling cancer. With over 19.3 million people globally uttering the phrase "It's cancer" each year, the emotional roller coaster of uncertainty becomes all too real. The episode delves into the suspension of time, where days blend into nights and hopes cling to fragile medical prognosis. It examines how the journey through cancer treatment is not just a clash with a physical ailment, but also a c...

In this opening episode of Season 5 of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker and guest Tanith Carey explores the topic of emptiness and anhedonia, the silent thief of joy. Carey describes the experience of waking up to a world devoid of colors and melodies, where happiness and the ability to feel anything have been replaced by an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Jeffrey and Tanith delve into the ache and constant dull pain that accompanies anhedonia, as well as the numbing of the senses. Des...

In this podcast, we look at how a concept of logic known as the Unity of Opposites can empower us to see the truth within us all. Host, Jeffrey Besecker explores this topic today with author, and wise sage, Troy Hadeed. In Sanskrit, the word Samhita literally means “put together; to join; union.” Yet, as humans, we often struggle to put things together. Nowhere is this more true than within our concepts surrounding truth. All of us have heard the old saying that every story has three sides, y...

In this podcast, host, Jeffrey Besecker discusses the significance of goal setting in defining one's purpose and achieving personal growth. While setting goals can be motivating, it can also lead to anxiety and unfruitful energy if not approached with balance. The podcast interviews a financial advisor and behavior coach, Chad Hufford, who recognizes that his role is more about behavior management than money management. Hufford shares his journey and highlights the importance of coaching peop...

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the importance of active listening in our increasingly polarized world. He is joined by professional communication coach, Jonathan Miller, who shares insights on how showing compassion, consideration, and thoughtfulness can lead to more authentic and engaging relationships. Discover the power of effective communication and how it can help us move beyond conflict and connect with others on a deeper level. Tune in to this though...